How to pick the right one of these different types of yoga [benefits vary]

It’s a life-changer. But you need to know which type of yoga will compliment your lifestyle and boost your health (mentally and physically) based on your own individual needs.

There are lots of different types of yoga and their benefits vary with each one.

We are all beautiful, unique people. And as unique people we have different needs when it comes to yoga.

I’ve been studying yoga for ten years. And in writing this article I have consulted many yoga teachers and have read very many research papers. Why? In order in to help you get started on a yoga practice that will truly revolutionise your life.

Doing the wrong type of yoga will not help you.

Doing Kundalini when you should be doing Yin is a recipe for failure.

You’ve got to know which practice matches your individual character.

Here’s how.

How to use this guide:

1) Save this guide somewhere because you will be coming back to it (you can save it on your Facebook wall, on Pinterest, bookmark it… whatever you like just keep it accessible because you will refer to it again later).

2) Read about each of the different types of yoga and their benefits.

3) Pick the best one based on your individual needs

4) Read the accompanying advice.

5) Give your chosen type of yoga a try.

6) If it doesn’t work, come back and try another type of yoga (this is why you need to save this article somewhere, like on your Facebook wall / Pinterest / print it out and stick it on your fridge…

Read about the different types of yoga and their benefits below, and choose the best one for you

1. Anusara Yoga Style

Anusara yoga is a modernised version of Hatha Yoga that was created by John Friend in 1997. The name Anusura can be translated to “flowing with grace” or “following your heart”.

One of the main benefits of Anusara yoga is that is creates a deep sense of bliss and joy in daily life. Meanwhile, the body is made stronger and circulation is boosted.

Asana in Anusara are based on the principles of alignment. These asana help to bring oneness to the mind, body and spirit.

Anusara also focuses on flow by making us more aware of vinyasa (coordination of breath with body).

Is Anusara The Right Type Of Yoga Right For You?

Anusara is a good middle-of-the-road yoga practice. It is good exercise without being too taxing. And it strengthens the body while also improving flexibility.

One of the best benefits of Anusara is that it creates positive feelings.

For these reasons, Anusara is perfect for people who are looking for a moderately challenging yoga practice that leaves you feeling truly positive.

Benefits of Anusara Yoga style:

Gentle exercise for people of various fitness levels

Good for strength and flexibility

Create joy and positivity

2. Ashtanga Yoga Style

Of all the different types of yoga and their benefits, Ashtanga is the one for the more serious yoga student.

An ancient style of yoga, Ashtanga was brought to the West by K. Pattabhi Jois in the 1970s.

While there are lots of different types of yoga, this is the most traditional.

What distinguished Ashtanga from many other forms of yoga is that the exact same poses (asana) are practiced in the exact same order. This is why Ashtanga is one of the more serious forms of yoga.

For instance, if we look at Ashtanga VS hatha, Ashtanga is much more serious and not as easy for beginners. Then again, looking at Ashtanga VS Bikram, Ashtanga is not so dangerous Therefore, it is a good middle-of-the-road choice for people looking for a serious but safe form of yoga.

Ashtanga refers to the “Eight limbs of yoga”. Physical movements are only one of those eight branches. Pranayama (breath) is another.

Some people practice Ashtanga yoga as purely a physical exercise. It is quite a vigorous exercise which will build up a sweat and help with overall fitness. Ashtanga is best, however, when we practice all Eight limbs. For this reason, Ashtanga is great for people who are looking for a complete lifestyle involving ethics, meditation, and of course, exercise.

Benefits of Ashtanga yoga style:

Good for body and mind

Beneficial overall lifestyle

Excellent exercise

Also includes meditation

3. Bikram Yoga Style

Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choundry with the express purpose of making people sweat a lot.

What makes this a different type of yoga to other styles is the temperature. You’re gonna get hot.

In Bikram yoga, we practice in a heated room so that the body temperature rises.

The heat helps relax the muscles so they become more flexible. In this heated room we work through 26 different yoga asana (poses). Similar to Ashtanga, there is a specific sequence of moves we go through when doing Bikram yoga.

It is definitely worth noting that several studies have stated that Bikram yoga is dangerous because of the heat.

So where does Bikram stand? If we look at Bikram VS Ashtanga, Bikram is the more dangerous form. And VS Hatha, it is not as good for beginners.

Is Bikram The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

For starters, if you are not good in the heat (like me) you absolutely should not do Bikram yoga as it is potentially fatal. Other people will find Bikram yoga great exercise for stripping the pounds and purifying the body.

Benefits of Bikram yoga style:

Of all the different types of yoga and their benefits, this one is one of the best for weight loss.

4. Hatha Yoga Style

Hatha yoga is a physical type of yoga that also involves mind training. The mind training is similar to Ashtanga in that it teaches us to attain freedom from external stimuli.

When comparing different types of yoga, you can think of this as the most holistic form.

One of the oldest forms of yoga, Hatha stems from the Nath sub-tradition of Hinduism. It was intentionally created as a type of yoga that next to anyone could practice, so it is ideal for people of various fitness levels. Because of this it is the best type of yoga to do at work because anyone can join in.

As well as physical exercises, Hatha Yoga also incorporates breathing techniques, diet and other lifestyle considerations. The overall purpose of Hath is to help with a variety of problems, including aging and spiritual liberation. The physical exercises are good for flexibility, strength and concentration.

Today, Hatha yoga is also used as a broader term that refers to any style of yoga that includes asanas.

A lot of people look at Hatha VS Vinyasa, but this is not a good idea. Writing for SeatleYogaNews, Arundhati Baitmangalkar explains that these two styles are basically different sides of the same coin. So if you are interested in learning Hatha Yoga, you would do well to learn Vinyasa at the same time.

Of all the different types of yoga and their benefits, this one is one of the most relaxing.

Is Hatha The Right Type Of Yoga For You ?

There are two key reasons why hatha yoga could be the best meditation for you. Firstly, it is a relatively simple physical exercise that was intentionally created to be ideal for all people. So anyone can do it regardless of fitness level. It also incorporates lifestyle choices outside of just exercise.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga Style:

5. Iyengar Yoga Style

Iyengar was devised by B.K.S Iyengar in the 1970s. It is a very precise form of yoga in which the exact alignment of the body is of utmost importance. To help practitioners get into the right pose props are used, including blankets, straps, yoga chairs and blocks. Both the upside and downside of this is in the seriousness. Iyengar is not the most fun yoga. However, it is very good training for body and mind.

Is Iyengar The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Because Iyengar is slow and very methodical it is the best type of yoga for people recovering from injury. It is also an excellent way of learning to hold the body is more beneficial ways (which is very beneficial for overall health).

Benefits of Iyengar yoga style:

The best yoga for recovering from injury

Serious training for body and mind

6. Jivamukti Yoga Style

One of the lesser known styles of yoga, Jivamukti yoga was devised by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1984. It is an ethical, physical, spiritual yoga that advocates five tenets:

Shastra (scripture)

Bhakti (devotion)

Ashimsa (nonvivolence, non-harming)

Nada (music)

Dhyana (meditation)

Of all the different types of yoga, Jivamukti is one of the most spiritual.

Is Jivamukti The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Jivamukti is one of the most complete forms of yoga. It incorporates physical exercise (which is similar to Hatha and Vinyasa) with spirituality and lifestyle. Therefore, it is ideal for people looking for a complete lifestyle solution. People looking for a modern spirituality will also find Jivamukti yoga interesting.

Benefits of Jivamukti Yoga Style

Excellent for getting into spirituality

Offers a healthy lifestyle

Good all-around physical exercise

7. Kripalu Yoga Style

Amrit Desai devised Kripalu yoga in the 1980s. The philosophy of Kripalu yoga is apparent in the name: Kripalu means “compassion”. Compassion for what? For the body.

Kripalu is like other forms of yoga but with a twist. It teaches that the body is the best teacher, and that we must accept the body as it is in order to grow.

Given that Kripalu is based on self compassion, it’s not surprising that this is a gentle form of yoga that is slow. It also uses meditation to take compassion even further.

When comparing the different types of yoga, you can think of Kripalu as one of the most gentle.

Is Kripalu Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Because Kripalul yoga is soft and slow it is ideal for the elderly and for people who are out of shape. The gentleness of the practice extends to the mind too. It will teach you to be more compassionate to yourself (something many people could benefit from).

Benefits of Kripalu Yoga Style

Kripalu yoga helps us develop self compassion.

Ideal for the elderly or people who are out of shape

Psychologically beneficial for all.

8. Kundalini Yoga Style

Kundalini yoga is a very spiritual type of yoga that has become popular over the past few years.

Also known as Laya yoga, Kundalini is based on Shaktism and on the Tantra schools of Hinduism.

The focus in Kundalini is on awakening the kundalini that is dormant at the based of the spine. This is done through a combination of yoga, meditation, mantra chanting, pranayama and yoga asana.

Is Kundalini The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Kundalini is an advanced type of yoga not suitable for beginners.

There have also been numerous scientific studies that show that kundalini yoga is potentially dangerous. So it is best to learn properly from a certified instructor.

That said, Kundalini is spiritually rewarding and will completely renovate your life.

Benefits of kundalini: yoga style

Spiritually awaken

Learn meditation

Awaken Kundalini energy

9. Sivananda Yoga Style

Sivanda Yoga is based on the teachings of Hindu spiritual teacher Swami Sivananda.

Sivananda is an unofficial form of Hatha Yoga. However, if we look at Sivananda vs Hatha, Sivananada has more focus on breath and is arguably more spiritual.

The purpose of Sivananda Yoga is to increase health and to reduce the chance of disease through natural cultivation of the body.

As well as physical exercise, Sivananda includes philosophies that are based on asanas, pranayama, diet (vegetarian), positive thinking, and meditation.

So when we’re talking about the different types of yoga, this is one of the most spiritual types of yoga.

Is Sivananda The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Proper Sivananda yoga is a deeply spiritual practice that incorporates belief and should be taken seriously. It is hugely beneficial for overall health of both the body and mind, and the positive thinking aspect also introduces a level of self-growth that many will enjoy. For that reason, when we compare this to other forms (like Sivananda Vs Hatha or Vs Ashtanga, for instance), Sivananda is arguably a deeper form that is of more benefit for the mind.

Benefits of Sivananda Yoga Style

Great for the mind and spirit

Incorporates positivity

10. Viniyoga

Viniyoga is a fairly advanced type of yoga that incorporates breathing with extended periods of asanas to increase inward awareness and insight.

Pranayama is particularly important in Viniyoga. One of the best parts of Viniyoga is that it makes us more aware of how we hold our bodies in everyday life.

This is excellent for improving posture, which in turn can help to eliminate health problems like muscle tension and more serious illnesses.

Is Viniyoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

If you are aiming to improve your mind-body connection and to become more conscious of how you hole your body, Viniyoga is perfect. If you enjoy a slower type of exercise you will love Viniyoga. The slow motions also promote inner calm.

Benefits of Viniyoga

Excellent for improving mind-body connection

Great for helping problems like hypertension, asthma, arthritis and diabetes.

Slow and calming.

11. Vinyasa / Power Yoga Style

One of the most popular forms of yoga today, Vinyasa is similar to Hatha and uses sequences of poses.

The name Vinyasa translates to “To place in a special way”.

The focus here is on the precise asanas and the flow between them.

When we’re talking about the different types of yoga, Vinyasa is one of the most energetic.

In Vinyasa, pranayama (breathing) helps to relax the body while also focusing the mind.

The core discipline is on the way we flow from one pose to the next.

To make Vinyasa more fun many yoga teachers will play music during sessions.

Vinyasa is similar to Ashtanga in complexity, except that Vinyasa allows for variation in the order of asansas. This is one of the most physically demanding styles of yoga.

Is Vinyasa / Power Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Vinyasa is one of the most physically demanding types of yoga (except if we look at Vinyasa VS Hot Yoga, in which case the hot of the latter makes it a little harder).

For this reason, people who want to use yoga to get fit should probably start with Vinyasa and compliment it with Hatha.

Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga Style

Very popular and easy to learn (there are many teachers)

Fantastic physical exercise

Fun

12. Yin Yoga Style

The final style of yoga we will look at in this guide is Yin yoga.

Yin yoga is become massively popular at the moment and it is very different to other forms of yoga.

An alternative yoga style, Yin yoga is about relaxation and energy. And the best thing about it is that it perfectly compliments all other form of yoga.

The focus in Yin yoga is on meditation, flexibility and exercise. With these three core disciplines Yin is a excellent overall yoga form for benefiting the body and mind.

The most obvious difference with Yin yoga is that poses are held for a few minutes each. This allows for meditation and develops inward awareness, heightening the mind-body connection.

Is Yin The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Yes.

But seriously, Yin yoga is great for most people.

It is relaxing and energising and it perfectly compliments other forms of yoga.

Plus, it’s great for beginners. The one thing to note is that Yin yoga is mostly a secondary form of yoga, a Yin practice to compliment Yang practices.

Benefits of Yin Yoga Style

Very relaxing

Produces positive energy

The best secondary yoga form (combine it with any other form of yoga)

Which of these different types of yoga is right for you?

In this guide to Yin yoga we have looked at 13 different types of yoga. And we have seen how anyone can start doing yoga.

Whether you are an author, a pro gamer, or an athlete, there is a form of yoga suitable for you.

I hope this guide has helped you to find the perfect yoga form for you.

May I ask you a favor?

If you have enjoyed this article and found it useful, please share it. That will tell me that I’ve done something good here, and I will know to produce more guides like this one.

Thanks so much.

Namaste.

Maybe You Prefer One Of These Crazy Alternative Types Of Yoga!

These days there are so many alternative types of yoga. Yoga’s gone crazy and we are loving it.

A few years ago there were only about 13 types of yoga. And they were actual… you know… yoga.

Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyanga, Kriya… you know, the types of yoga that constitute what yoga really is.

Yoga went crazy fast. Garry Busey crazy.

Yoga teachers have been having so much fun over the past few years. And yoga is totally in vogue right now. Everyone’s doing it. Even goats, cats, and dogs are doing yoga.

There are 16 alternative forms of yoga that the world has gone crazy for in 2017.

These forms of yoga are all over Facebook and social media, and they’re changing the way we do yoga—some for the better, some for the worse.

Come gather around as THE DAILY MEDITATION goes totally bonkers and checks out 16 alternative forms of yoga.

Now let’s take a look at the really different types of yoga and their benefits

1. Yoga Raves

Yoga raves are crazy fun. And they are totally safe for both youngsters and adults, as The Art Of Living has written about (1).

Yoga raves were created in Argentina by a group of (awesome) volunteers who wanted to do something to help created a more positive experience for people living in areas rife with drug and alcohol problems.

Yoga raves are now popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, United States, Brazil, Denmark, Sweden and Berlin.

And they’ve spawned knock-ons.

Don’t love rave music? Go to a yoga party that does rock, pop, or whatever genre of music you like.

Most parties have beginner’s yoga classes so you can get involved even in you’re a yogi-newb. Or just chill and drink a smoothy at the bar. It’s all good.

Of all the different types of yoga, this is the most fun.

How to do a Yoga Rave

Yoga Raves are gradually becoming more popular around the world. And if you happen to be in one of the major party cities in the world there will probably be occasional yoga raves nearby. Otherwise, you may very well need to travel. Or host your own yoga party!

The Benefits of Yoga Raves

Plain and simple, yoga raved are about having fun.

Yoga raves are also a great place to meet yogis and yoginis (so if you’ve been spending to much time on a yoga dating site, try a yoga rave instead).

And obviously, you might meet the yogi of your dreams if love is in the air.

You love to party? You don’t mind doing yoga with a drink? You’re social? Then have a laugh and go to a yoga rave.

2. Horse yoga

Horse yoga is a type of yoga that equines and humans alike both love.

Horse yoga is a type of yoga that equines and humans alike both love.

Horses have been man’s best friend for centuries. Sorry dogs, but historically speaking it’s the horses who have done most for mankind. Horses have been in wars, they’ve pulled carts to help us travel, they’ve towed loads to help us build early settlements.

And now, horses are doing yoga.

Madness.

Horse yoga is precisely what it sounds like: doing yoga while riding a horse, and encouraging the horse to get into asanas too.

Wow, now you see just how many different types of yoga there are! There’s even horse yoga.

How to do horse yoga

Horse yoga is literally doing yoga while riding a horse. Of course, it isn’t possible to do all asanas while on horseback. So we recommend you try select few poses so you and the horse are totally safe.

Experts can also get the horse involved by leading the horse into asanas. Although I personally hate this idea because anyone who is not a master could potential injure the horse.

Benefits of horse yoga

It’s been proven that spending time with horses is very relaxing and good for mental health (4). Doing horse yoga can be even more beneficial. It’s a hugely relaxing exercise, even if it does look crazy.

Is Horse Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Answer these two questions:

Are you a horse?

Do you love horses?

If the answer to either is yes, then go right ahead with the horse yoga.

3. Aerial Yoga / Anti-Gravity Yoga

Aerial yoga is a beautiful alternative form of yoga.

Aerial yoga is a beautiful alternative form of yoga.

Gravity be damned. Just because Newton was obsessed with gravity doesn’t mean we yogis need to be.

Aerial Yoga is all about defying gravity.

You’ve seen those insanely talented aerial acrobats who perform beautiful movements dangling from ropes like some dancing-angel-person? Well, Aerial Yoga is that done yoga-style.

Anti-gravity yoga combines yoga, pilates, and dance while using a hammock that is designed to support up to 300 kilos of weight.

The hammock supports the hips, allowing aerial yogis to bend safely while in mid-air. And with all that equipment set up, the yogi is free to perform asanas while dangling above the ground.

Crazy, right?

Of all the different types of yoga, surely this is the coolest, don’t you think?

How To Do Aerial Yoga

You’ll need to buy an Aerial Yoga Swing from Amazon. It’s a hammock and swing you can set up at home to start doing aerial yoga.

Once you’ve got your Aerial Yoga Swing set up, test it by putting weight on it while you’re standing safely. This is way better than simply Nike-ing (Just Do It) because if you just do it and the hammock breaks you can kiss your asana goodbye.

Once you’ve got your Aerial Yoga Swing set-up, start by doing very basic moves like lunges and Boat Pose and gradually get more advanced.

For the safest strategy, cat yoga is best done at a specific cat yoga studio.

How to do cat yoga

Unlike horse yoga, there is virtually no challenge to doing cat yoga. You just put a cat in the room with you while you do yoga.

Friendly word of warning: keep an eye out and make sure that you don’t flail a limp out around your cat—you definitely don’t want to do any harm to your beloved kitties!

Benefits of cat yoga

There are tons of benefits of spending time with pets (including both cats and dogs). When you combine the benefits of yoga with the benefits of pets only good things can happen. At least until you find yourself doing Wheel Pose when a cat jumps on top of you, as mine did the other day (naughty, Pumpkin, naughty!).

Is Cat Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Are you a cat?

Do you love cats?

Do you believe cats have the right to yoga?

Ah, ,go on then.

5. Karaoke Yoga

Karaoke yoga is one of the most enjoyable forms of yoga. Great fun.

Karaoke yoga is one of the most enjoyable forms of yoga. Great fun.

Karaoke yoga (what I call “Kara-yogi”) is probably the most silly of all these alternative yoga techniques. Utterly bonkers.

No prizes for guessing that this is yoga done while singing.

Tons of funs, Karaoke Yoga is not an advanced technique and it doesn’t require any training, you literally just sing while doing yoga. And yes, you can sing Taylor Swift or Rossetti, it’s totally up to you.

Your flat-mates will thank you for doing this one. Ha ha.

How to do karaoke yoga

Elementary, my dear yogi. Just sing while you’re doing yoga. If you’re a soprano, trill out some Carmen. If you have the voice of a donkey with laryngitis, stick to the pop.

Benefits of Karaoke Yoga

Fun

Helps with breathing

Could probably make an argument that it improves pranayama (breathwork).

None of the above have been proven as a shocking lack of scientists are interested in researching Karaoke-Yoga.

Is Karaoke Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

If you love annoying the hell out of passersby while singing badly while doing downward dog…

6. Doga (Dog Yoga)

Dog Yoga, also called DOGA, is one of the most popular alternative forms of yoga.

So you’re doing all these different types of yoga when you’re dog gazes up at you, wanting a piece of the action.

No sweat, Rover. Do Doga.

Dog Yoga, also called DOGA, is one of the most popular alternative forms of yoga.

There was no way that puppies were going to stay out of yoga for long.

Dogs yoga exploded onto the scene a few years back and immediately went viral.

Doga is basically yoga that incorporates mindfulness, massage, and yoga into one. Some yogis even do chants with their dogs!

There are two main types of doga. Either we use the dog as a yoga partner or we use the dog as an object. Either way, the point is to work as a team with the dog to find different posts.

But is Doga safe and pet-friendly?

There has been criticism from both the yoga community and -by dog charities who consider it to be unsafe.

You’re probably a loving, caring pet owner. So you probably already know what is best for your puppy. If you want to do Doga, just be mindful of how the dog is feeling when you practice.

Is Dog Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Do you believe dogs have the right to yoga? (I mean bear in mind it is called Downward Dog…)

7. Laughter yoga

Laughter yoga. Totally bonkers. But kinda cathartic.

Laughter yoga. Totally bonkers. But kinda cathartic.

Laughter yoga has surprisingly little to do with traditional yoga. It’s actually just voluntary laughter done for an extended period of time.

In laughter yoga, yogis get into a group and laugh for a long period of time while exchanging eye contact.

This practice has been going on in the West since the 1990s, when yoga was performed in parks and was popular with the elderly.

How to do laughter yoga

Start by doing some gentle warm-up stretches for both the body and the throat. You might also like to do some chants.

Practice breathing meditation for a few minutes.

Start laughing while being playful.

Exchange eye-contact with other people in the group.

Continue for twenty minutes.

Benefits of laughter yoga

Improves cardiovascular function

Improves mood

Heightens pain threshold

Releases endorphins, making us feel great.

Promotes social bonding

Is Laughter Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

You want to let off steam and be joyful? Then yeah.

8. Cannabis Yoga

Cannabis yoga. Is it healthy? Leave a comment and remember to subscribe to our newsletter.

Cannabis yoga. Is it healthy? Leave a comment and remember to subscribe to our newsletter.

Ah. Truly the most controversial of all these alternative types of yoga. Cannabis. People either love or hate it And everyone’s got an opinion.

Yogis love arguing about the validity of Canabbis yoga.

Some yogis point out that one of the main yoga texts, Patanjali’s yoga sutra, states, “Cannabis use allows for a quieting of the outside world, and the ability to focus more totally on the interior process of meditation.” And that Kriya Yoga master Swami Satyananda Saraswati stated that cannabis could aid yoga.

Bid you know that Saraswati was also involved in sexual abuse allegations? And he may have raped a seven year old (2). Not the type of “guru” we like to follow here on THE DAILY MEDITATION.

So who is right? Is Canabis yoga legit? We’ll let you make your own mind up.

How to do Cannabis Yoga

Cannabis Yoga is done by passing around a joint while doing yoga. Stop if you do not feel balanced at any time or if you feel like you might pass out due to shortness of breath.

“Benefits” of Marijuana Yoga…?

Supposedly, ganja yoga helps the mind to relax and to clear (supposedly). This even though it has been proven repeatedly that marijuana causes anxiety (3). Marijuana helps with anxiety in people who are already addicted to it (in the same way cigarettes cure the itch for people who are hooked on them—but they cause the itch at the same time).

Supposedly, ganja yoga helps people with muscular problems There is evidence that suggests that marijuana helps with pain relief (4). However, there is zero evidence that ganja yoga helps with pain relief. So you might prefer to do an alternative exercise for relaxation. Personally I’ll do Tai Chi instead of Cannabis yoga. Why? Take a look at these 9 amazing benefits of Tai Chi.

Is Cannabis Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

No.

9. Tantrum Yoga

Of all the different types of yoga and their benefits, this one is the most f***ed up. Well, maybe.

[c Tantrum yoga is a type of yoga for mood.[/caption]

Tantrum yoga is a type of yoga for mood.

Hands up who loves it when a kid throws a temper tantrum?

No?

Me neither.

So you might wonder just why the hot-cakes you would ever want to do Tantrum Yoga, the style of yoga modelled after whining kids.

Then again, there are reasons why kids throw temper tantrums. They let out steam and release emotions. Which is very similar to what happens in Dynamic Meditation.

Yoga teacher Hemalayaa wanted to give adults the opportunity to throw a tantrum like kids do. So she invented Tantrum Yoga, an exercise in which we let it all out.

Mommy And Me Yoga is simply about doing yoga with a kid. It can be done with one kid or with a group. And as for the Mommy bit… well… daddies are free to do it too.

How to do Mommy And Me Yoga

Simple. Practice yoga with a kid. It’s best to do simple yoga that kids will enjoy.

Benefits of Mommy And Me Yoga

Great exercise for both kids and adults

Strengthens bond between kids and adults

Fun for the family or for groups

Helps with many common kids problems such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood.

Is Mommy And Me Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

You either have a strong bond with your kids or want to, and both you and they love yoga. You want to help your kids with the health problems discussed above? Then yes.

11. Paddle Board Yoga

So far we’ve covered lots of different types of yoga and their benefits. Now for one of the most relaxing and rewarding: paddle board yoga.

Paddle Board yoga is one of the best alternative forms of yoga for health and wellbeing.

Paddle Board yoga is one of the best alternative forms of yoga for health and wellbeing.

Quick maths question.

If ocean = beautiful

And yoga = awesome

What is Ocean + Yoga?

Awesomely beautiful, that’s what.

Plus, of all the different types of yoga, surely this is the sexiest, am I right?

Paddle Board Yoga is all about doing yoga in the ocean (or a pool, or the sea, or… you know, general H20-type environments).

The challenge is to stay afloat on the paddleboard while also doing yoga. Naturally, you’re going to need pretty darned good balance to pull that off. And that’s why paddleboard yoga is popular. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and it’s a challenge.

Benefits of beer yoga

Is Beer Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

13.Nude Yoga

Nude yoga is all about being confortable in your own body. Get naked. Do yoga. Can’t hurt.

Nude yoga is all about being confortable in your own body. Get naked. Do yoga. Can’t hurt.

The name says it all.

Nude yoga has become pretty darned popular over recent times and there are tons of Instagrammers looking for Insta-fame by doing nude yoga and taking selfies.

The notion is that nude yoga helps with body image. And perhaps that’s true, though there is zero research so far proving it.

How to do nude yoga

… if you don’t know how to be naked I don’t know what to tell you.

Benefits of nude yoga

There are no proven health benefits of naked yoga. However, Nude yoga enthusiasts point to the fact that there are many health benefits of being naked (6). The simple act of being naked connects us with our natural self and improves our self worth in this modern day when every poster is Photoshopped and when most people are made to feel like crap for having a perfectly imperfect body.

Is Naked Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

If you have body image problems or just generally enjoy being nude, then yeah.

14. Goat Yoga

Goat yoga is a great way to connect with nature. And it turns out, goats enjoy yoga too.

Goat yoga is a great way to connect with nature. And it turns out, goats enjoy yoga too.

Hands up who loves weird but wonderful things? If so I’m willing to bet you love goat yoga and probably share a lot of goat-yoga-related stories on Facebook, right?

Goat yoga is one of the most popular alternative types of yoga. Why? Because GOATS! That’s why [insert extremely happy emoji].

What is goat yoga? It’s doing yoga (usually at a farm or yoga studio) while surrounded by goats. Some people actually get the goats involved with the yoga poses even though this is potentially dangerous for the goat (which is why I personally advocate just letting that cute little goat roan around of its own volition).

How to do goat yoga

Goat yoga is usually practiced at a yoga studio or farm. Look for a goat yoga class in your area.

Benefits of Goat Yoga

So cute you will vomit

Great for relaxation

Connects you with nature

Goats love it too!

Is Goat Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

You’ve got goats and yoga, together. If that aint right, I don’t want to be right.

How to do Harry Potter yoga

To do Harry Potter yoga, either grab a wand and start doig yoga while pretending to be whooping Voldermort’s butt, or book a lesson (seriously though, book a lesson, madness is more tolerable when done as a group).

Benefits of Harry Potter Yoga

You will kick Voldermort’s asana.

Is Harry Potter Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Yes if you’re a proud nerd and you generally desire to expecto-protronum Voldermordt all the way to hell.

16. Hoop Yoga

Actually, there is a lot more to hoop yoga than meets the eye and it might actually be worth doing.

Playfulness is what it’s all about. The hoop helps us to get into a more jovial, fun state of mind. And that sense of fun is great for relaxing the body. Actually, when you do hoop yoga you might find that you’re more flexible just because you’re more relaxed.

Hoop yoga is especially good at releasing tension in areas of the body that hold emotion: mostly the hips.

When you do hoop yoga your hips are freed and your emotions are released. This created flexibility for both body and mind.

How to do hoop yoga

Grab a hula hoop.

Start by practicing traditional hooping if you haven’t done it before or are out of practice (take a look at Hoop Lovers Tutorial)

While hooping, start to do gentle and easy yoga asanas while keeping the hoop rotating.

Focus on the state of flow and be playful.

If you find any areas of your body that are stiff, stop and do traditional yoga to get your flow back. Then return to hooping.

Above all, have tons of fun!

Benefits of hoop yoga

Tons of fun

Boost your playfulness and creativity

Improves overall yoga skills

Increases flexbibility

Loosens the hips

Is Hoop Yoga The Right Type Of Yoga For You?

Yes if you want to have a ton of fun while improving flexibility and coordination.

Which of these alternative yoga styles is your favorite?

16 crazy alternative forms of yoga. Have you tried them all? What did you think about them? Which are your favorites? And which do you think are just plain stupid?

Turns out, some yoga gurus really hate new forms of yoga

Yoga has become a very lucrative business in the Twenty First Century, with many once small businesses blooming to the multi-national institution level. However, one Yoga teacher is staying committed to the traditional, local style of teaching: Manju Pattabhi Jois, a Yoga guru fully commited to the old-school style—choosing his students rather than allowing his students to choose him.

Manju Pattabhi Jois could easily become a success at any intentional, big city yoga franchise, but he’s not interested in the bright lights, instead he’s touring smaller studios.

So far from accepting just any old student, to be enrolled in Manju Pattabhi Jois’ yoga training, you need “To have had a relationship with him personally, or with his father,” says Tina James, owner of Loka Yoga in Whistler BC Canada. “He’s been offered lots of money and turned it down. He just sticks with his long-term students.”

Jois is so well regarded that his Yoga classes sell-out the moment they are announced. People come from the U.S, the U.K, from Germany, from everywhere, in order to train with Yoga master Jois. He is one of the greatest Yoga teachers alive and has no interest in money; he is the true, legitimate, purist Yoga guru.

The son of the founder of the Ashtanga school of yoga, Pahhabhi Jois, Manju Jois has lived in the U.S since 1975, carrying on his father’s work—work which has included training Sting, Madonna and other celebrities.

What is this old-school Yoga guru’s take on the new style of Yoga teaching? “The tradition is lost,” says Jois. “Everybody is beginning their own style of Yoga and the traditions of Yoga are being lost. My goal is to keep tradition alive.”

Jois makes an excellent point. Creating a new brand of Yoga might be good business, but it’s not good for Yoga itself, for the spirituality and the tradition. “Naked Yoga,” “Hip Hop Yoga,” “Aerial Yoga” and the like might be fun new takes on Yoga—and the novelty good for their individual businesses—but the more Yoga is stretched out of shape, the less recognisable the traditions become.

To truly get the most out of Yoga, it’s vital to learn the traditions and the spirituality of Yoga, to learn the history of Yoga, not just the fun new fads.

Paul Harrison

Paul Harrison is a meditation teacher, author and journalist based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Paul has helped thousands of people to discover their true potential. Don’t miss Paul’s inspirational and enlightening book: Your Best Meditation